Senior Biologist - Regulatory Permitting

ICF; Austin (TX); Remote; USD 81,000 - 139,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Tuition reimbursement

401k matching

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

ICF is seeking a Senior Biologist and Permitting Expert to provide strategic guidance on permitting solutions for infrastructure projects across Texas and the U.S. This role leads interdisciplinary teams, mentors staff, and collaborates with developers, engineers, and regulators to achieve project compliance.

You will apply expertise in the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and other regulations, while supporting business growth and client engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 10+ years in environmental consulting or applicable fields.
• Experience developing, managing, and delivering environmental planning/permitting projects.
• Experience with environmental regulations and species in Texas.

Responsibilities

• Lead interdisciplinary teams delivering field studies, analyses, and regulatory tasks for permitting.
• Provide senior-level expertise and writing for projects involving CWA, ESA, NHPA and related laws.
• Lead and participate in agency consultations for effective permitting strategies.
• Collaborate with clients and industry experts to develop compliant solutions.
• Mentor and guide junior/mid-level staff.
• Develop client relationships and contribute to proposals and project planning.

Skills

Regulatory permitting experience

Technical writing

Project leadership

Mentorship and staff development

Strategic client advisory

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Policy and Planning, Environmental Sciences, Biology/Ecology/Marine Sciences, or related fields

Job description

Senior Biologist, Regulatory Permitting (Permitting / CWA / ESA / NEPA)

Remote - Texas or nearby states

Preference for Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, or San Antonio

Travel: typical range 10-30%

ICF is growing in Texas, and we want more leaders to share in this growth! ICF is seeking a motivated and growth-focused Senior Biologist and Permitting Expert to provide strategic and expert guidance on technical approach and permitting solutions for clients across Texas and the U.S.

Level:

Senior Biologist / Regulatory Expert

Focus:

Permitting & compliance for infrastructure (energy, water, transportation)

Territory:

Texas primary + US support

Responsibilities

Provide technical expertise for projects and proposals, advise clients, mentor and support junior staff, lead projects or technical tasks.

Why work for ICF?

You might be at an engineering firm with a culture built around licensed engineers. At ICF you are our raison d'etre, a team of environmental experts prizing scientific rigor, regulatory insight, work-life balance, and a commitment to integrity. Or you might be at a government agency craving the fast pace of consulting. You will enjoy the diversity of work, entrepreneurial opportunities, and mission of building a more prosperous and resilient world. Whatever you seek, there is a reason so many of our people have stayed with ICF for over 20 years.

On Our Team, You Will

• Lead interdisciplinary teams in delivering technical field studies, analyses, and regulatory and permitting tasks, to help our clients get projects built fast and right
• Provide senior-level expertise and writing to support complex projects involving the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and other federal and state laws
• Lead and participate in agency consultations to determine and advise on efficient and effective permitting strategies
• Collaborate with clients and industry experts - developers, engineers, planners, biologists, and technologists to develop innovative solutions to achieve project compliance
• Mentor, train, and guide junior and mid-level staff
• Build and nurture client relationships, identify and develop opportunities, and contribute to winning proposals (scopes, budgets, and schedules)
• Think strategically to solve client challenges
• Apply your ingenuity and curiosity to tackle today's challenges while positioning for tomorrow's opportunities

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Policy and Planning, Environmental Sciences, Biology/Ecology/Marine Sciences, or related fields
• 10+ years of experience in environmental consulting or applicable fields (industry, government, academia)
• Experience developing, managing, and delivering environmental planning/permitting projects
• Experience with environmental consulting practices, regulations, and species in Texas

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in applicable fields (noted above)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including strong technical writing skills and ability to lead sections of projects, proposals, and QA/QC deliverables and provide feedback to staff
• Ability to travel to clients or projects in Texas in reasonable time and cost (e.g., you live in Texas or a nearby state, or near a major airport with easy access to major Texas hubs)
• Desire to lead, mentor, and train technical specialists
• Ability to develop and present clear solutions to complex problems to clients and regulators
• Business mindset with an eye toward client engagement and financial growth

Why You Will Love Working Here

Our team values scientific rigor, respectful collaboration, intellectual curiosity, and productive creativity. We also work to support our team members' professional growth. To this end, we will:

• Welcome you warmly to our team and value your knowledge and expertise as an environmental professional
• Seek to provide you with diverse experiences including new project types, peers, clients, and geographies
• Offer flexible work arrangements and support work-life balance to the maximum extent possible within the constraints of the role
• Connect you with other leaders and technical experts in Texas and across ICF to share innovative ideas, provide expert solutions, and to help you learn and grow
• Support career development to sharpen your business and project management skills, hone your expertise, and accelerate your growth
• Invest in you with generous programs, such as health coverage, tuition reimbursement, access to professional development resources, 401k matching, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and charitable donation matching
• Strong opportunities for growth into local business leadership with demonstrated capabilities and success
• Offer an exciting opportunity to be part of something important, working with integrity on projects that matter, and making a difference in the communities in which we live

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read ourEEO policy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email [e-mail] we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.

Pay Range

$81,499.00 - $138,549.00

Texas Remote Office (TX99)